Singleton Lodge's
Standing Committees
Standing committees are required to exist and be active each year in accordance with our Bylaws (Article V). Each committee is required to have at least three members.
Audit
Purpose:
To oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Lodge and audits of the financial statements of the Lodge. Responsibilities of the Auditing Committee include: a) prepare a statement of the receipts and expenditures, the latter to be in detail, and of debts due to or from the Lodge; b) examine the books, accounts, vouchers, cash on hand, bank accounts, stocks, bonds and other securities recorded and/or maintained by the Secretary, Treasurer and Trustees of the Lodge; c) assist the Brethren in monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the Lodge, d) ensure compliance by the Lodge with legal and regulatory reporting requirements; and e) report on the performance of the Lodge’s financial condition at the November stated communication, or other such time as may be directed. The Audit Committee shall have and may exercise all the powers of the Lodge with respect to the specific authority delegated to the Audit Committee in the Bylaws of the Lodge or hereafter specifically delegated to the Audit Committee by the Worshipful Master, except as may be prohibited by law.
To oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Lodge and audits of the financial statements of the Lodge. Responsibilities of the Auditing Committee include: a) prepare a statement of the receipts and expenditures, the latter to be in detail, and of debts due to or from the Lodge; b) examine the books, accounts, vouchers, cash on hand, bank accounts, stocks, bonds and other securities recorded and/or maintained by the Secretary, Treasurer and Trustees of the Lodge; c) assist the Brethren in monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the Lodge, d) ensure compliance by the Lodge with legal and regulatory reporting requirements; and e) report on the performance of the Lodge’s financial condition at the November stated communication, or other such time as may be directed. The Audit Committee shall have and may exercise all the powers of the Lodge with respect to the specific authority delegated to the Audit Committee in the Bylaws of the Lodge or hereafter specifically delegated to the Audit Committee by the Worshipful Master, except as may be prohibited by law.
Budget
Purpose:
To form the financial basis by which the Brethren may make recommendations and decision making that appropriately reflect projected annual receipts and expenditures of funds in support of the Lodge’s mission in Freemasonry, and to advocate execution of the budget efficiently and effectively toward the achievement of optimal performance. Responsibilities of the Budget Committee include: a) prepare a budget detailing receipts and expenditures anticipating operating outlays for the following Worshipful Master’s year; b) make recommendations regarding the availability and allocation of such funds; c) optimize the limited financial resources available to meet the goals of the Lodge; d) make the budget process easier to understand for members of the Committee and the larger community of brethren; e) review requests for changes to the budget; e) take action under direction of the Worshipful Master when the budget shows significant deviations.
To form the financial basis by which the Brethren may make recommendations and decision making that appropriately reflect projected annual receipts and expenditures of funds in support of the Lodge’s mission in Freemasonry, and to advocate execution of the budget efficiently and effectively toward the achievement of optimal performance. Responsibilities of the Budget Committee include: a) prepare a budget detailing receipts and expenditures anticipating operating outlays for the following Worshipful Master’s year; b) make recommendations regarding the availability and allocation of such funds; c) optimize the limited financial resources available to meet the goals of the Lodge; d) make the budget process easier to understand for members of the Committee and the larger community of brethren; e) review requests for changes to the budget; e) take action under direction of the Worshipful Master when the budget shows significant deviations.
Bylaws
Purpose:
To review, make recommendations for amendments, and enforce the governance of the membership of the Lodge. Responsibilities of the Bylaws Committee include: a) perform an annual review the Bylaws to ensure they are being properly executed; b) provide clarification or interpretations of the Bylaws upon request by the Worshipful Master or the general membership; d) evaluate the appropriateness of the Bylaws and report to the Lodge recommendations for improvement and/or amendment; and d) ensure all modifications to the Bylaws have been properly recorded and made in conformance with stated processes and procedures.
To review, make recommendations for amendments, and enforce the governance of the membership of the Lodge. Responsibilities of the Bylaws Committee include: a) perform an annual review the Bylaws to ensure they are being properly executed; b) provide clarification or interpretations of the Bylaws upon request by the Worshipful Master or the general membership; d) evaluate the appropriateness of the Bylaws and report to the Lodge recommendations for improvement and/or amendment; and d) ensure all modifications to the Bylaws have been properly recorded and made in conformance with stated processes and procedures.
Charity
Purpose:
To give direction and focus on the issues and concerns of Masonic and community-based charitable organizations and the relief of members their widows and orphans that may appeal to the Lodge for financial support. Responsibilities of the Charity Committee include: a) investigate all applications for relief (unless otherwise ordered by the Lodge) previous to any appropriation being made by the Lodge; b) expend a sum or sums on any case or cases it shall deem worthy, not to exceed an aggregate amount of $500 between any two stated communications; c) account all expenditures to the Lodge (provided that no appropriation shall be made for more than current expenses unless the amount to be appropriated is in the hands of the Treasurer in excess of all existing liabilities; and d) treat all names of individual recipients for relief with anonymity in its report to the Lodge.
To give direction and focus on the issues and concerns of Masonic and community-based charitable organizations and the relief of members their widows and orphans that may appeal to the Lodge for financial support. Responsibilities of the Charity Committee include: a) investigate all applications for relief (unless otherwise ordered by the Lodge) previous to any appropriation being made by the Lodge; b) expend a sum or sums on any case or cases it shall deem worthy, not to exceed an aggregate amount of $500 between any two stated communications; c) account all expenditures to the Lodge (provided that no appropriation shall be made for more than current expenses unless the amount to be appropriated is in the hands of the Treasurer in excess of all existing liabilities; and d) treat all names of individual recipients for relief with anonymity in its report to the Lodge.
Honors And Awards
Purpose:
To create a mechanism for recognizing Masons who have served the Lodge and the Craft of in the practice and advocacy of the ideals of Freemasonry. Responsibilities of the Committee on Honors and Awards include: a) propose nominees for election as honorary members in the Lodge; b) nominate a member to receive the Fidelity Medal (whenever the Lodge has no living holder of the same); recommend a nominee for consideration by the Grand Lodge Committee on Grand Lodge Awards for the Grand Lodge Distinguished Service Medal, or other medals and honors solicited and awarded by the Grand Lodge; and propose other awards in recognition of Masonic achievement or distinction within the Lodge.
To create a mechanism for recognizing Masons who have served the Lodge and the Craft of in the practice and advocacy of the ideals of Freemasonry. Responsibilities of the Committee on Honors and Awards include: a) propose nominees for election as honorary members in the Lodge; b) nominate a member to receive the Fidelity Medal (whenever the Lodge has no living holder of the same); recommend a nominee for consideration by the Grand Lodge Committee on Grand Lodge Awards for the Grand Lodge Distinguished Service Medal, or other medals and honors solicited and awarded by the Grand Lodge; and propose other awards in recognition of Masonic achievement or distinction within the Lodge.
Work And Lectures
Purpose:
To nurture functional and cooperative learning, and increase skill level of ritual proficiency in the Craft. Responsibilities of the Work and Lecture Committee include a) instruct and examine candidates for advancement; b) report proficiency in Masonic knowledge prior to advancement; c) instruct officers of the Lodge on ritualistic and ceremonial practices; d) oversee the performance of rehearsals; and e) support the Grand Lodge School of Instruction and other authorized Masonic instructional committees, activities and events.
To nurture functional and cooperative learning, and increase skill level of ritual proficiency in the Craft. Responsibilities of the Work and Lecture Committee include a) instruct and examine candidates for advancement; b) report proficiency in Masonic knowledge prior to advancement; c) instruct officers of the Lodge on ritualistic and ceremonial practices; d) oversee the performance of rehearsals; and e) support the Grand Lodge School of Instruction and other authorized Masonic instructional committees, activities and events.
Education
Purpose:
To provide the foundation of basic knowledge in Freemasonry as it relates to the purpose, history, traditions, laws, customs and usages of the Craft as illuminated in the degrees. Responsibilities of the Masonic Education Committee include: a) prepare candidates in a manner they may best appreciate the lessons taught in the conferral of degrees; b) identify relevant topics and confirm appropriate speakers; c) support and/or develop program content for presentation at a stated communication or other Masonic event; c) support the Grand Lodge School of Instruction and other authorized Masonic educational committees, activities and events; d) utilize material sanctioned in the “Lodge System of Masonic Education” approved and published under authority of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M, of the District of Columbia; and e) continuously advise, support and encourage the development of the membership through knowledge, awareness education as may be prescribed by competent Masonic authority and well qualified brethren in the Craft.
To provide the foundation of basic knowledge in Freemasonry as it relates to the purpose, history, traditions, laws, customs and usages of the Craft as illuminated in the degrees. Responsibilities of the Masonic Education Committee include: a) prepare candidates in a manner they may best appreciate the lessons taught in the conferral of degrees; b) identify relevant topics and confirm appropriate speakers; c) support and/or develop program content for presentation at a stated communication or other Masonic event; c) support the Grand Lodge School of Instruction and other authorized Masonic educational committees, activities and events; d) utilize material sanctioned in the “Lodge System of Masonic Education” approved and published under authority of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M, of the District of Columbia; and e) continuously advise, support and encourage the development of the membership through knowledge, awareness education as may be prescribed by competent Masonic authority and well qualified brethren in the Craft.
Communications
Purpose:
To facilitate digital communication with brethren and the general public through approved Lodge communication vehicles; develop the yearly communication strategy; and maintain and support the Lodge’s digital assets and approved communication vehicles. Responsibilities include developing informational format, content and special event announcements in electronic (Internet/Website, calendars, etc.) media. This Committee is in charge of all of the Lodge's digital assets including the website, social media platforms, digital newsletter, mass communication platforms, and the content published therein.
Assets & Documentation:
Member of this Committee can access information regarding the policies, procedures, strategy, and assets through the Communications Committee page.
To facilitate digital communication with brethren and the general public through approved Lodge communication vehicles; develop the yearly communication strategy; and maintain and support the Lodge’s digital assets and approved communication vehicles. Responsibilities include developing informational format, content and special event announcements in electronic (Internet/Website, calendars, etc.) media. This Committee is in charge of all of the Lodge's digital assets including the website, social media platforms, digital newsletter, mass communication platforms, and the content published therein.
Assets & Documentation:
Member of this Committee can access information regarding the policies, procedures, strategy, and assets through the Communications Committee page.
Social
Purpose:
To encourage a spirit of fraternal community among members of the Lodge, and that supports beneficial interaction with and other members of the Craft, families and friends, and the community at-large, and may provide a venue for awareness and introduction into Freemasonry. Responsibilities of the Social Committee include: a) coordinating the annual Holiday Celebration, Summer Picnic, Master Mason Reception, and other such events as may be determined by the Grand Lodge or Worshipful Master; and b) identify, organize, and provide social opportunities that encourage attendance, fraternal bonding, and community integration as may be recommended by the Committee.
To encourage a spirit of fraternal community among members of the Lodge, and that supports beneficial interaction with and other members of the Craft, families and friends, and the community at-large, and may provide a venue for awareness and introduction into Freemasonry. Responsibilities of the Social Committee include: a) coordinating the annual Holiday Celebration, Summer Picnic, Master Mason Reception, and other such events as may be determined by the Grand Lodge or Worshipful Master; and b) identify, organize, and provide social opportunities that encourage attendance, fraternal bonding, and community integration as may be recommended by the Committee.
Ad Hoc Committees
Ad hoc committees are at the discretionary of the Master and can be established or dissolved during a Mason year at this instruction. Currently, the Lodge only has two Ad hoc committees but this could change. For example, in 2020, WB Zevitas established the Bequeathment Committee to develop a strategy on how best to utilize Brother Robert Allen's generous donation to our Lodge.
Service
Purpose:
To practice and promote the ideals of Freemasonry by coordinating and delivering opportunities among members of the Lodge for charitable and community services to the general public. Responsibilities of the Service Committee include: a) informing and organizing the public at- large, and more importantly a suffering (infirmed, isolated, etc.) brother Mason widow or orphan(s), the availability of Masonic assistance; b) work in liaison with faith-based/community organizations, medical/treatment facilities, non-profit/public institutions, and other organizations and individuals for the delivery of non-financial relief.
To practice and promote the ideals of Freemasonry by coordinating and delivering opportunities among members of the Lodge for charitable and community services to the general public. Responsibilities of the Service Committee include: a) informing and organizing the public at- large, and more importantly a suffering (infirmed, isolated, etc.) brother Mason widow or orphan(s), the availability of Masonic assistance; b) work in liaison with faith-based/community organizations, medical/treatment facilities, non-profit/public institutions, and other organizations and individuals for the delivery of non-financial relief.
Procurement
Purpose:
To ensure Masonic materials and paraphernalia used in the Craft represent the highest standards for presentation of Freemasonry to the members and visitors of the Lodge. Responsibilities of the Procurement Committee include: a) assess the condition of Masonic articles and items to ensure they are in good repair and in appropriate quantity; b) determine the availability, quality, and fair, competitive pricing necessary to repair or replace items; c) provide a venue for the recommended purchase of specialty items (publications, name tags, awards, etc.); d) partner collaborative relationships with other Lodges in the purchase of similar to achieve economy of scale as may be appropriate; and e) ensure the integrity and efficiency of the procurement process.
To ensure Masonic materials and paraphernalia used in the Craft represent the highest standards for presentation of Freemasonry to the members and visitors of the Lodge. Responsibilities of the Procurement Committee include: a) assess the condition of Masonic articles and items to ensure they are in good repair and in appropriate quantity; b) determine the availability, quality, and fair, competitive pricing necessary to repair or replace items; c) provide a venue for the recommended purchase of specialty items (publications, name tags, awards, etc.); d) partner collaborative relationships with other Lodges in the purchase of similar to achieve economy of scale as may be appropriate; and e) ensure the integrity and efficiency of the procurement process.
Membership